Candles hold a unique place in our homes, creating ambiance and adding a touch of charm. Some seek them for aesthetic pleasure, while others turn to candles to set the mood for a cosy night or romantic meal. However, the most enchanting allure of candles lies in their captivating scents.
At the heart of these delightful scents stand two primary and often controversial contributors: fragrance oils and essential oils.
Regardless of the widespread belief that they can be used interchangeably, these oils hold distinct differences in their production, ingredients, and the effects they impart on our environment.
Pros & Cons:
Both fragrance oils and essential oils bring forth distinct advantages and drawbacks. Fragrance oils typically demonstrate a longer-lasting effect, provide a more intense aroma, and may be considered environmentally friendly based on their production methods.
On the other hand, essential oils, though natural, might have a shorter lifespan due to their pure and sometimes volatile compounds that can evaporate relatively quickly when exposed to heat. This means that the scent of your candles may diminish over time, especially if they are stored for extended periods.
Moreover, due to the varying ratios in wax-to-scent intensity, essential oils are often linked to higher production costs. The potency of the scent may be influenced by factors like the quality of the oil, the plant type, and the extraction method. Achieving consistent fragrance levels can pose challenges. The choice between the two ultimately relies on individual preferences and priorities
Essential Oils:
Representing a natural fragrance, essential oils originate from various aromatic plants or tree roots, undergoing a meticulous extraction process. Candles enriched with essential oils boast aromatherapeutic and healing benefits. The scent from these candles tends to be subtle, as natural fragrances inherently possess a gentler intensity.
Is it ethical? The production of essential oils presents significant environmental challenges. Obtaining a single drop often requires enormous quantities of plant material, contributing to issues of overharvesting and endangerment of certain plant species. For example, it takes approximately 10kg of rose petals to make one 5 ml bottle of rose essential oil.
Essential Oils don’t always react well to heat. While the candle may have a good cold throw (how it smells when it’s not lit), the oil can burn right up and may not smell very strong. Also as essential oils also have a low flashpoint, extra care must be taken in the making process, if there’s a high concentration of essentials oil in a candle, this oil can combust!
Fragrance Oils:
Unlike essential oils, fragrance oils are not suitable for aromatherapy or harnessing natural benefits, as they consist of synthetic scents meticulously created in a laboratory setting. Classified into "natural" and "regular" types, these oils can mimic the molecular structure of plant oil without the reliance on actual plants. Due to their entirely manufactured composition, fragrance oils usually deliver a more potent scent compared to essential oils. Additionally, the production process is closely regulated to maintain quality and consistency.
However, there are many fragrance oils on the market which posess potentially harmful chemicals such as Phthalates and Parabens and very few suppliers promote oils which don't have these chemicals.
So, which is Better?
The choice between fragrance oils and essential oils ultimately depends on personal priorities. For those seeking a powerful, enduring scent, fragrance oil candles are a perfect choice. They can also be a more sustainable option if made from high-quality synthetic fragrance oils. However, if aromatherapy and natural benefits are a priority, essential oils may be the preferred option.
In our candles, we blend passion with sustainability, utilising both Premium Fragrance oils that are Phthalate and Paraben-free and Natural Essential oil blends. This commitment provides the best of both worlds while ensuring a guilt-free and delightful experience for our customers.
Hand-poured with care in the Isle of Man, our soy wax candles not only emanate captivating scents but also contribute to the promotion of aromatic plant longevity. As proud partners of UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man, we are committed to creating candles that embody both excellence and environmental responsibility.
In your own journey to select the perfect candle, consider the unique qualities of fragrance oils and essential oils. Embrace the magic of scents that resonate with you, all while making mindful choices for your well-being and the environment.
